Thursday, June 9, 2011

The Trusted and Loyal Companion

Shrine of Salmaan in Madain, Iraq

Salmaan, the most trusted and loyal companion of the holy Prophet of Islam (s.a.) suggested digging a ditch or khandaq around Madinah to keep the invading army at bay. When Abu Sufyan, the leader of the Makkans, saw the ditch, he said, ‘This stratagem has not been employed by the Arabs before.’

Salman participated in all of the other campaigns of the messenger thereafter. Salman became known as “Salman the Good.” He was a scholar who lived a rough and ascetic life. He had one cloak, which he wore and slept on. He would not seek the shelter of a roof but stayed under a tree or against a wall. Later, as a governor of Al-Madain (Ctesiphon) near Baghdad, Salman received a stipend of five thousand dhirhams. This he would distribute as sadaqah (charity donation).

He lived from the work of his own hands. When some people came to Madina and saw him working the palm groves, they said “You are the leader here and your sustenance is guaranteed and yet you do this work?” “I like to eat from the work of my own hands,” he replied. As a scholar, Salman was noted for his vast knowledge and wisdom. Imam Ali (PBUH) said of him that he was like Luqman the Wise.